Quebec regulators have approved EDF EN’s 350MW Riviere du Moulin wind farm, paving the way for construction to begin. The developer has also confirmed an order for 175 Repower 2MW turbines.

The $800m scheme forms part of a 1GW, seven-project portfolio EDF is building in the Canadian province. The Quebec government decree was the final consent needed for the construction-ready, two-stage wind farm.

“Obtaining the decree is of great importance as it marks the confirmation from the government to move forward with the project and provides the confidence to place a major procurement contract,” said EDF EN Canada chief operating officer Al Kurzenhauser.

“We further recognize and appreciate our long-term partnership with Repower. Together our companies have now commissioned 1275MW throughout North America.”

Repower Systems managing director Helmut Herold added: “EDF EN Canada and Repower agreed to an ambitious delivery date, which in turn will help maintain existing jobs as well as create additional employment opportunities in the Quebec wind industry.”

LM Wind Power will supply the blades from its Gaspé plant, towers will be produced at Marmen’s Matane factory, and SEG Woodward will assemble the electrical converters in New Richmond.

EDF said last week it hopes to start tree clearing as soon as possible before the spring thaw begins in mid-March. The project is expected to create about 300 jobs during the construction phase and 20 permanent operation and maintenance positions.

The developer expects to finalize a deal with a general contractor in the coming weeks. EDF is working out a royalty share plan with local communities, including the Innu and Huron First Nations and the Charlevoix and Saguenay regional county municipalities.

The first 150MW is expected online in December 2014 and the final 200MW in December 2015.

Riviere du Moulin represents the fourth and largest project of the seven awarded to EDF in 2008 and 2010 through Hydro-Quebec Distribution’s call for tenders. By the end of 2015, EDF will have developed and built a total of 1003MW in the province.

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